Tips for a Smooth Transition into the New School Year

The new school year is here! Switching classrooms or starting in a new school can be stressful. Use these tips to make this transition a wonderful experience for everyone in your family.

Visit the new classroom – Talk with your child about what will be the same and what will be different.

Arrange play dates – Give your child a chance to make a friend or two before starting in the new classroom.

Involve your child – Invite him to gather the items he might want to take to his new class, such as a blanket and a family photo.

Create routines – Make drop-off time special by going through the same steps every day; for example, rub noses or give high fives.

Have an open dialogue – Encourage your child to talk about how he feels. Read story books together about change to help with this transition time.

Communicate with the teacher – Get to know your child’s new teacher. Share stories from home and ask questions about the new classroom and routines.

Work with your child’s teacher to build and maintain a trusting, open and honest relationship. Keeping the lines of communication open and listening to each other’s perspectives and expertise will ensure that your child has the best educational experience possible.

Here are a few more tips on how to become more involved in your child’s school community:

Chaperone a class field trip.

Share a special interest or talent, like singing or gardening with your child’s class (or the whole school community).

Teach children a skill you have, like sewing or playing an instrument.

Help out in your child’s class for an hour or two whenever you can. You could read with children, play games, or help them with special projects.

Donate objects from home to your child’s classroom.

Get to know other families by sharing carpooling duties.

Tell your child’s class about your “tools of the trade.” Children will be very interested in what you do, and in the tools and equipment you use to do your job.

Remember that however you can be involved, whatever you can do, your child will benefit if you are an active member of your school community.